Maps with only Morin singularities and the Hopf invariant one problem (Q4224166)

This paper concerns the problem of existence of smooth mappings without prescribed singularities between smooth manifolds. Interesting previous results in this context have been proven by \textit{S. Kikuchi} and \textit{O. Saeki} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 123, No. 3, 905-908 (1995; Zbl 0828.57025); Math. Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 117, No. 2, 223-235 (1995; Zbl 0844.57033)], in particular: Let \(M\) be a closed \(n\)-dimensional manifold with odd Euler characteristic and \(N\) an almost parallelizable \(p\)-dimensional manifold \((p\leq n)\). If there exists a smooth map \(f:M\to N\) with only fold singularities, then \(p=1,3\) or 7. The present paper contains an alternative proof of this theorem with a more geometrical approach. Moreover, the following generalizations are also shown (A) Let \(M\) be a closed \(n\)-dimensional manifold with odd Euler characteristic and \(N\) an almost parallelizable \(p\)-dimensional manifold \((p\leq n)\). If there exists a smooth map \(f:M\to N\) with at most fold and cusp singularities, then \(p=1, 2, 3, 4, 7\) or 8. (B) Let \(M\) be a closed \(n\)-dimensional manifold with odd Euler characteristic and \(N\) an almost parallelizable \(p\)-dimensional manifold \((p\leq n)\). If there exists a smooth map \(f:M\to N\) with at most fold, cusp and swallowtail singularities and \(p\) is even, then \(p=2, 4\) or 8.